Guidebook for Iowa City
Entertainment & Activities
Community center with gym and public pool. Large park outside with evening farmers' markets during the summer. 15 minute walk from our house.
Mercer Park Aquatic Center and Scanlon Gym
2701 Bradford DrCommunity center with gym and public pool. Large park outside with evening farmers' markets during the summer. 15 minute walk from our house.
Walking area downtown with tons of local restaurants, organic grocery store, library, and playground. Free music on friday evenings in the summer.
14 locals recommend
Pedestrian Mall
210 S Dubuque StWalking area downtown with tons of local restaurants, organic grocery store, library, and playground. Free music on friday evenings in the summer.
Locally-run, independent movie theatre. Play lesser known films and have cheap children's movies on Thursday and Saturday mornings. Comfy couches to sit in and beer and wine available on tap.
12 locals recommend
FilmScene
118 E College StLocally-run, independent movie theatre. Play lesser known films and have cheap children's movies on Thursday and Saturday mornings. Comfy couches to sit in and beer and wine available on tap.
Arts & Culture
Historic theatre hosts local artists and national tours. Great spot for theatre performances and music concerts of all types.
16 locals recommend
Englert Civic Theatre
221 E Washington StHistoric theatre hosts local artists and national tours. Great spot for theatre performances and music concerts of all types.
National Broadway tours and A-list caliber entertainment. Can be pricey.
14 locals recommend
Hancher Auditorium
141 Park RdNational Broadway tours and A-list caliber entertainment. Can be pricey.
Food Scene
Best pizza by far. Try the flying tomato pizza! Carry-out only (no sit down at this location).
Wig & Pen East
363 N 1st AveBest pizza by far. Try the flying tomato pizza! Carry-out only (no sit down at this location).
Homemade, local ice cream. Some of the best you've ever tasted within walking distance.
11 locals recommend
Heyn's Ice Cream
811 S 1st AveHomemade, local ice cream. Some of the best you've ever tasted within walking distance.
Excellent BBQ. Order at the counter with nice seating area.
10 locals recommend
Jimmy Jack's Rib Shack - Iowa City
1940 Lower Muscatine RdExcellent BBQ. Order at the counter with nice seating area.
Drinks & Nightlife
TCB Pool Hall
114 E College StOld school pool hall. Great craft beer selection and plenty of pool tables
Parks & Nature
Walking paths along the Iowa river. Playground, park shelters, baseball fields. Outdoor theatre hosts Shakespeare in the Park during summer months.
6 locals recommend
City Park
200 Park RdWalking paths along the Iowa river. Playground, park shelters, baseball fields. Outdoor theatre hosts Shakespeare in the Park during summer months.
Essentials
Trader Joe's-type grocery store with quality food at good prices. Often host community-oriented events. Allow guests to drink a glass of wine or beer while shopping.
8 locals recommend
Lucky's Market
1668 Sycamore StTrader Joe's-type grocery store with quality food at good prices. Often host community-oriented events. Allow guests to drink a glass of wine or beer while shopping.
Getting Around
Public bus system stops a few yards from our house. Take the Towncrest route to the downtown/main campus area. Adult fare is $1/ride.
Iowa City Transit System
1200 South Riverside DrivePublic bus system stops a few yards from our house. Take the Towncrest route to the downtown/main campus area. Adult fare is $1/ride.